Torquay - Geography

Geography

Torquay is situated on the southwestern coast of England, forming one third of Torbay, on the western side of the bay. It has a mild microclimate, receiving among the longest hours of sunlight per day in the south west of the United Kingdom, with winters that tend to be mild and wet with above average temperatures. The record low temperature of -8.9C was recorded in 1940 and again in 1947.

The town is made up of a number of small settlements that amalgamated into the town of Torquay. The town's historic core consists of Tormohun, Wellswood, The Warberries, Upton and Ellacombe and is based upon what was once the holdings of the Palk family. In 1900 Chelston and Livermead, part of the Cockington estate owned by the Mallocks, were annexed by the town and this was followed by the absorption of the former borough of St Marychurch. In this period St Marychurch covered Plainmoor, Watcombe and Babbacombe. In 1928 the Mallocks' last holdings in Cockington were integrated into the town borders. Torquay expanded throughout the century leading to the development of Shiphay, Hele Village, Barton and since the 1990s, The Willows, giving the town its current layout.

Wellswood and the Lincombes were built up by wealthy Victorians who, influenced by their travels around the Mediterranean, built large villas with Italianate features and towers. There are many pine trees, Bay bushes and trees (Laurus nobilis), various palm tree species and Phormiums. Cabbage trees or "Torbay Palms" are a notable feature of the area; the trees were introduced into the area from New Zealand in 1820 and since then have flourished. There are currently thousands throughout the town and they contribute significantly to the Mediterranean feel that the town has. The soil type is alkaline, well drained and gritty, which is ideal for Mediterranean plants and herbs.

The main beaches of Torquay are Maidencombe, Watcombe, Oddicombe Beach, Babbacombe Beach, Anstey's Cove, Redgate, Meadfoot Beach, Torre Abbey Sands, Corbyn Sands and Institute Beach. The high standards of water quality and beach facilities mean that many carry awards, including three European Blue Flags – more than any other resort in the UK.

The town is the terminus of the Sticklepath Fault line, which runs through the rocks of Devon from Barnstaple Bay to Torquay resulting in infrequent mild earthquakes, the last of which were felt in the 1990s. The fault line emerges in the cliff face which forms part of Rock Walk before going out into the bay. On the Rock Walk side is Devonian limestone on which Warren Road and Fleet Street stand. The other side of the fault line which runs down Belgrave Road is the red sandstone on which Torre Abbey stands, the fault can reach widths up to 500 metres in places.